NCC, Stakeholders Interact

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in the copyright industry recently came together to discuss ways of strengthening the nations Digital and copyright system. During a two-day Google supported workshop titled “Nigeria’s Digital Economy and the Copyright System: Challenges and opportunities for strategic growth in the Information Age” the stakeholders took turns to examine areas of interest.

The first day session of the workshop was themed “Leveraging Nigeria’s Role in the Networked Information Economy” while the second day was them “Cultural and Technological Interchanged and the role of Copyright Law.”

The workshop, which was held at Lagos from June 15-16, 2015, recommended that there should be more funding to fight infringement of copyright and strengthening of existing collaborations between regulatory bodies as well as penalties for offenders.

The Commission’s team that participated at the workshop were by the Director-General, Mr. Afam Ezekude. Others on the team include the Director/Zonal Manager Lagos office, Barrister Chris Nkwocha, Deputy Director, Mr. Mike Akpan, Deputy Director, Mr. Obi Ezeilo, and Deputy Director, Mr. M.D.A Ojo.

Issues presented and discussed include “Copy what? Key Considerations for Nigeria’s IP Framework in the knowledge Economy” by Professor Olufunmilayo Arewa; “Capitalization on Nigeria’s Creative Potential: What should be the goals of the Nigerian Copyright Act in the Digital Economy” by Mr. Mike Akpan of the Commission; Creativity and Innovation in the Digital Age: How and why does Intellectual Property Law matter for Nigeria’s creator inventor” by Mrs. Anatogu.

Other topic discussed included “The Impact of Digitalization on Business models in Nigeria’s Copyright-Driven Industries: Economic Issues and Policy Impartations” by Mr. Gerald Ilukwe; “software Protection and ISP Liability under Nigeria’s Copyright and Trademark Policy-what should the law be? Lesion from Disharmony in Intellectual Copyright” by Professor Adewopo; “Maintaining the copyright system for the public good: The Role of Copyright E&Ls in Ensuriong Robust Access to content and Data” by Professor Bankole Sodipo, Dean and Professor of Law Babcock University.

Other presentation are, “What Exceptions and Limitations are needed under Nigerian Copyright Law” by Mr. Chibuzo Ekwekwuo, managing Partner A and E Law Partnership; “Relevance of use vs fair Dealing in the Nigeria Media and Private Law Context” by Emmanuel Gahabo, Partner, Templars Law firm; “Comparative Trademark Fair use and copyright Fair Use: Implications for Registration, Enforcement and Remedies in Nigerian” by Mr. Femi Fajolu, Managing Partner, Chief G.O Sodipo & co. “The Regulations of Trademark in Nigeria for Digital Age: Three Priorities” by Mr. Olusegun Adekunle, Dorector of Commercial law and Registrar of Trademarks, Patent and Designs, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.